Claudia has been fostering for over 10 years. She began her journey with a clear sense of purpose – shaped by her own experiences growing up and a deep belief in the power of love, stability and community.

Now, years into her journey with FCA, she has built a busy, nurturing home where children can feel safe, supported and truly part of a family. Her story is a powerful reminder that fostering isn’t about being perfect – it’s about showing up, offering consistency, and helping children to thrive.

A journey shaped by experience

For Claudia, fostering was never a passing thought – it was something deeply personal.

“After being fostered for six months in my own childhood, I knew from a very early age that I wanted to foster.”

Her childhood experiences gave her a unique understanding of what children in care may be going through, and shaped her determination to provide that same sense of care and belonging to others.

She said, “Fostering felt like part of my blood or DNA.”

That sense of purpose led her to begin the process in her twenties, starting a journey that has since impacted many children’s lives – including those who have remained part of her family long-term.

Creating a home where children can thrive

Over the years, Claudia and her family have welcomed children of different ages and backgrounds into their home, creating a space where every child feels included.

“With just a little bit of routine and love, the things that a parent does can completely turn around a child.”

She has seen first-hand how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes – from helping children find their voice to supporting them in building confidence and stability.

Claudia and her husband, Denshloy, are currently caring for four young people. She has shared how one of the most rewarding parts of fostering is witnessing everyday breakthroughs and seeing the resilience of children.

She said, “You get to witness the smallest of victories. For example, our twins have been with three other families. They were just two years old when they came, and the boy was non-verbal. I started learning a bit of Makaton to try and find ways to communicate with him and, within four days, he was talking.”

These transformative moments are what make fostering so meaningful.

Understanding the realities of fostering

Claudia is open about the realities of fostering – acknowledging that it comes with responsibility, learning and ongoing support.

“You have to realise that they’re not your biological children.”

She explains that understanding each child’s unique experiences takes time, patience and the right support – something FCA has helped her develop through training and guidance.

“I get free access to mandatory training as well as modules on things like how children form identity and sibling rivalry.”

With the right support in place, foster parents are never expected to navigate challenges alone – they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to help children feel safe and understood.

The power of community and belonging

At the heart of Claudia’s fostering journey is a strong belief in community – and the idea that raising children is never something you do alone.

She agrees, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

This sense of togetherness is reflected not only within her own home, but also in the wider support she receives.

Claudia describes how fostering has shaped her family too, particularly her daughter, who has grown up in an environment full of diversity. She spoke of her daughter’s perspective and how accepting and empathetic she is through her experiences of sharing her home with foster children: “Love is love for her.”

Through fostering, Claudia has created a home where children feel valued, where differences are embraced, and where lasting relationships are built.

A lasting impact

For Claudia, fostering is about far more than providing a temporary home – it’s about creating lasting change.

She said, “Ultimately, fostering has made me who I am today.”

Her journey shows that fostering doesn’t just transform the lives of children – it also shapes the families who welcome them in.

And through every challenge and every success, one thing remains constant: a commitment to care, to nurture, and to make a difference.

If you could make a difference to children by providing a loving home, please get in touch with our team to find out more about fostering.

More fostering stories:

May 1 2026

John’s fostering story: building strong foundations for young people in care

After 30 years in a career that no longer felt right, John made a life-changing decision to become a foster parent. Now a single carer supporting three young people, his story shows that fostering teenagers can be incredibly rewarding and that it’s never too late to choose a more meaningful path.

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April 15 2026

“I wish I’d started earlier because it is absolutely the best thing you can do.”

Between them, Linda and Jayne have nearly 30 years of fostering experience. Both foster as single carers and began their journeys after their own children had grown up and left home.

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April 1 2026

Steve’s Fostering Story: “I Just Wanted to Give Something Back”

Steve has been fostering with FCA for six years. After a lifetime of supporting children and young people, he decided after retirement to take the next step and provide a safe, stable home for those who needed it most.

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March 26 2026

“Fostering puts you up there like a superhero, as if it’s not something ‘ordinary’ people can do”: Refer a Friend Story

Claire shares her fostering story, and how referring her mum to foster helped change lives, creating stronger support networks and more loving homes for children.

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March 10 2026

Pauline’s Fostering Story: “Now Was the Time”

Pauline was approved as a foster parent in October 2024. She fosters with her husband Mark in Suffolk, and they currently care for two children aged 10 and 12 on a short-term basis.

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February 24 2026

“As long as the kids thrive – that’s what matters.”

Andrew and his wife Mary, from Gateshead in the North East, became approved foster parents with FCA in September 2024. Since then, their home has welcomed several children, and they are currently caring for a 17-year-old young person and two siblings aged four and six, alongside their own 11-year-old daughter and two energetic chihuahuas.

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Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to one of our friendly fostering advisors, get in touch with us today.

Enquiry Form

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

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The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?*

Have you had any prior experience of fostering, such as being a foster parent or growing up in a fostering family?*

Have you ever adopted a child?*

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